A major environmental group wants Governor Sebelius to put a moratorium on building coal-fired power plants in Kansas. The request comes from the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club, which also wants the governor to create a commission to study how such power plants may affect the environment.

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is planning three new coal-fired plants outside Holcomb, in southwest Kansas. Much of the electricity would be sold to companies in other states.

The Sierra Club's Kansas attorney, Charles Benjamin, says the group worries the project would increase mercury emissions, deplete water supplies and discourage wind-energy projects.

A spokeswoman for Sebelius says the governor would consider a moratorium only if it's recommended by the state health department
and an energy council. Hearings on Sunflower Electric's proposal are set for October 24th in Garden City and October 26th in Topeka.